Eligibility to sit for the certification exam requires an appropriate master’s degree at minimum that meets specific curriculum requirements and a period of supervised experience, either as part of a graduate program practicum or as independent fieldwork.

Step 1. Earn a Qualifying Master’s Degree in the Behavior Analysis Field

The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) requires that you have at least a master’s degree in Behavior Analysis, Education, or Psychology that meets board-specified curriculum requirements in order to qualify for the BCBA® certification exam. As a Missouri resident you can enroll in a number of such programs offered online through universities throughout the nation.

You can be sure your program meets curriculum requirements if at least ONE of the following applies:

The most qualifying master’s programs include a thesis and qualifying supervised field experience as part of their curriculum. Your thesis is based on your studies and field experience, representing your first serious academic contribution to your field.

Earning a post-master’s degree such as an Ed.S. or doctoral degree in ABA, psychology or education that meets curriculum requirements would also meet requirements for taking the exam.

ABA Master’s Program Prerequisites

Enrollment prerequisites differ from school to school. In some cases, an accredited bachelor’s degree in any major would be acceptable, while other schools require an undergraduate degree in a related field like:

To be eligible to sit for the BCaBA® exam you need an undergraduate degree that is typically in Behavior Analysis, Psychology, Teaching, or anther closely related field. The undergraduate degree must adhere to the BACB’s coursework requirements.

Step 2. Complete an Acceptable Period of Supervised Experience

Qualifying for the BCBA® exam also means meeting the BACB’s supervised experience requirement.This can be a supervised practicum or advanced practicum that takes place during your graduate program, or independent fieldwork.

Review of written materials like reports, behavior programs, and data sheets

Evaluation and oversight regarding the effects of the behavioral service delivery and supervision

Up to half of the supervision can be conducted in small groups

The supervised experience must be conducted according to a written contract pre-established between you and your supervisor

The supervised experience must be well documented, including hours and activities

Master’s programs that incorporate BACB-approved practica – Practica and intensive practica are included as part of the curriculum in some behavior analyst master’s programs. Qualifying practica is included in master’s programs with a BACB-approved practicum:

Practicum – At least 1,000 hours and include one week of supervision

Intensive practicum – At least 750 hours and include one week of supervision

You can find behavior analysis graduate programs with BACB-approved practica and intensive practica on the BACB’s database.

Supervised independent fieldwork – If your master’s program includes a practicum that does not meet BACB requiremens, you can still qualify for the BCBA® exam by completing at least 1,500 hours of independent fieldwork that includes two weeks of supervision, or an equivalent combination of practicum and independent fieldwork.

Alternatives to supervised experience – You can also qualify to take the BCBA® examination if you meet either of these conditions:

Once your application has been received the advisory board will email you to confirm you have submitted a complete application or to request additional items from you.

Provisional Licenses

The Behavior Analyst Advisory Board can grant you a provisional license to work as a behavior analyst or assistant behavior analyst if you can fulfill all requirements for these positions but do not yet hold the BCBA® credential.

As a condition for this provisional license you must always work under the supervision of a licensed behavior analyst, even if you’re granted a provisional behavior analyst license. Fill out these forms to apply:

Your provisional license is valid for one year or until you earn a full license by gaining the appropriate BACB credential.

You’re allowed to renew this license once, making it valid for another year. Missouri’s Behavior Analyst Advisory Board can make an exception to this rule and allow you to renew a provisional license more than once on a case-by-case basis.

Out-of-State Reciprocity and Military Spouses

If you’re licensed in another state you can apply for a temporary 90-day license to work as a behavior analyst or assistant behavior analyst license. Military spouses who have had a related license for two of the past five years which is in good standing can also apply for this temporary license.

You apply by taking these steps:

Submit a full application for licensure with Missouri’s Behavior Analyst Advisory Board

Include your fingerprints for a background check with your full application, and pass this background check

If your application for full licensure is not approved or denied within 90 days you can write to the board asking for a one-time temporary license renewal, good for an additional 90 days.

Renewing Your License with Missouri’s Behavior Analyst Advisory Board

Your license expires every two years. The advisory board will mail you a license renewal application.

To be eligible for state renewal you must show proof of current BACB certification. That means renewing your BCBA® (for behavior analysts) or BCaBA® (for assistant BAs). These expire every two years and have their own continuing education requirements through the BACB: